“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” –Article II, Section 1, Constitution of the United States, 1787

1. Notice: Sherman County School District OSBA Training Update

The Sherman County School District OSBA Board Training that was scheduled for January 14, 2016 has been cancelled and will be scheduled for a later date.

2. Senator Jeff Merkely: What I thought of the State of the Union

Last night, President Obama gave his final State of the Union address. During the President’s speech, he reminded us of what we can and should be: a country of political and economic opportunity for all. I share the President’s vision for growing our middle class, and protecting our planet. The American dream is built on expanding opportunity for the next generation. This means guaranteeing all students access to higher education without crushing debt, innovating with new savings opportunities to create a more secure retirement future for all working Americans, and building a political and financial system that responds to the needs of the many rather than the few. America must also continue to display global leadership in taking on the climate change challenge. It’s critical not only to protect our planet for generations to come, but to create jobs and economic growth as a worldwide leader in renewable energy. The President emphasized some key priorities that we need to focus on as a nation in 2016. One of my priorities this year will be working to ensure a better, more equal America for all Americans. I was honored to have Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case that extended marriage equality to all 50 states, as my guest at the State of the Union last night. As the President said, this ruling on marriage equality embodies our great, unique strengths as a nation, and it was a tremendous moment of progress. But the fight for full equality for the LGBT community is not complete. Last year, I introduced the Equality Act because it’s incomprehensibly wrong that in many states a couple can marry in the morning and be evicted from their apartment or kicked out of a restaurant in the afternoon. The time has come to right that wrong. Congress must act and pass the Equality Act to ensure that all LGBT Americans have full rights in every aspect of their lives, and to make our democracy better for all. We’ve come a long way, but there’s more to do. I look forward to working with the President and my colleagues on these critical issues and moving our country forward.

The 3rd Annual Harney County Coyote Classic will take place near Burns and Crane this weekend. This competition hunt will include at least 150-160 people in one-, two- and three-person teams who will be hunting on mostly private land in areas around Burns and Crane. They will hunt for 48 hours, from 7 p.m. Friday (Jan. 15) through 6 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 17). Throughout the weekend, as the competition is taking place, folks may hear gunshots or see spotlights at night. We want to reassure you that these are part of the lawful coyote hunt. The competition organizers have asked participants to stay off Sodhouse Lane. If you have safety concerns or questions, please call 541-573-3162. This line is not monitored 24 hours a day. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911.

4. Congressman Greg Walden: EPA Rules, Waters of the United States

5. Little Wheats’ Fundraiser: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Jan. 30

Come cheer on your Sherman County Huskies as they take on Horizon Christian! Little Wheats, Inc. will be selling slow smoked, authentic pulled pork sandwiches from the concessions stands at the Sherman High School Basketball games on Saturday, January 30th, 2016. It is sure to be a fun filled day! $5 per sandwich, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. while supplies last! We promise you won’t be disappointed. Interested in donating?? Please contact Little Wheats, Inc. at 541-565-3152, PO Box 71, Moro, OR 97039. Thank you in advance for your support!!!

The debates, which are sanctioned by the Republican National Committee, will take place at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. They will follow a similar format to the network’s inaugural debate, focusing on economic, domestic and international policy issues.